Unique places to eat in Austin...

It's my sisters b day and i want to take her somewhere unique for her b day. Long story short, she was kidnaped before i was born and we just found her. She has been in another state so knows nothing about Austin. I want to take her somewhere unique. I know about Oasis, Carlos and charlies, melting pot and Japanese Steakhouse's... but is that all we have here? I took her to Rain Forest cafe in Dallas last month... does Austin have anything like this? Or like The Aquarium in Houston. Any help or suggestions as appreciated. Her b day is today, so we will be going tonight!

Thanks

Not sure if we're going to have any bloated tourist trap/restaurant places like Aquarium and Rainforest, but when I think of places to eat in Austin that are uniquely Austin, I would think Shady Grove, Fonda San Miguel, Hudson's on the Bend, Casa de Luz, Chuy's and maybe even Moonshine.

check out el arbol on 35th. http://elarbolrestaurant.com/
i've not eaten there, but i've heard good things and it is unique

A second vote for Hudson's on the bend if you want upscale. Some great Austin spots are very laid back just like Austin. Tex Mex and country cooking are hallmarks of Austin. Hoover's, Green Mesquite, (but not on ACL weekend) Threadgills, Matt's El rancho, Jaun in a Million, Salt Lick, Jeffery's,

What a wonderful celebration you're having, Marley, and what great news for you and your family. Any of these would be perfect...

Jeffrey's, Uchi, Fonda San Miguel, Cipollina, Asti, Mother's (vegetarian), East Side Cafe -- all favorites, all winners, all very "Austin."


Monk

Fogo de Chao! Very unique, nice and fun place to eat at.

http://www.fogodechao.com/index.php?id=169

Best seafood in town: Papadeaux.
Best unusual food: Hudson's on the Bend
Best southern cookin': Threadgills south
Best combination: (Mom is Italian, Dad is Mexican; each cooks their specialties): La Cocina in Round Rock on McNeil

IMHO!

Tavern on Lamar has the best Burgers and White wings.

Casino EL Camino

unique for sure. Fantastic Burgers

http://www.casinoelcamino.net/

Fonda San Miguel for Sunday brunch.

http://www.fondasanmiguel.com/

Best seafood - Trulicks, ain't cheap though.

Go somewhere that isn't a part of a big national chain. You can do Fogo anywhere, Rainforest -- or anything Landrys -- are everywhere twice or thrice.

La Condesa is quite awesome, if you want something local, unique and very cool. El Chile is pretty Austintacious as well.

Billy Saul is spot on about Fonda San Miguel -- but book days in advance.

Another old Austin fave for a fancy Sunday brunch is Green Pastures. Kinda stuffy, but good food and beautiful grounds.

Of course there's barbeque, but unless I'm cooking, it just ain't worth a damn!

happy b-l8ed b-day to ur sister!

Geez, reading this makes me realize again all the older non-chain Austin restaurants are gone, Convict Hill, Rainbow Inn, Magic Time Machine, The Stallion, Nighthawk, Katz'...sad, and dating myself too lol, There's still Matt's, Dirty's, Saly Lick, County Line, Green Pastures Brunches are good, Jeffery's was good, Always been a fan of Hudson's on the Bend. If you want a 3 hr dining evening the Emerald will treat you like family and royalty, pricey but food, atmosphere and service is worth it. hungry now, dirty's does sound good for lunch

The Stallion! Now there was some right nasty CFS!